Melbourne copywriting service Shabbadu, the brainchild of former Clemenger BBDO creative Chris Taylor who launched the venture in April, has hired its first member of staff – the former actor, voice-over artist, comedy writer and journalist Angus Smallwood.

Smallwood, who career includes writing roles at SapientNitro, Leap Agency and Old Bull Productions, as well as a stint as a coffee shop reviewer for The Age, joins Shabbadu as creative consultant.

The Shabbadu model invites clients to prepay for a batch of hours per month, which they then use in hour blocks as the need arises. Shabbadu has picked up work on both agency and client side since launch.

The company has also launched a summer service to help agencies with skeleton staff during the quieter advertising period in the coming months. Called Shabbadu for Summer, the launch explains Taylor and Smallwood’s choice of pastel jacket wear.

Taylor said: “Out of the apricot and the mauve, I’m glad I got the mauve. It’s a great fit too. I’m really looking forward to rocking this bad-boy at some smart-casual soirees this coming summer. Plus, I’ve known Angus for years and he’s bloody good.”